Device for footwear

ABSTRACT

A device ( 100 ) for minimizing damage caused to at least a portion of footwear, the device ( 100 ) having a protecting surface ( 110 ), and an attaching surface ( 115 ) formed between the footwear and the protecting surface ( 110 ), the attaching surface being removably attachable to the portion of footwear.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/956,085, filed on Aug. 15, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for footwear, and in particular to a device for limiting/minimizing damage to at least a portion of footwear, or a device for limiting/minimizing contact between an object and footwear.

2. Description of the Background Art

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Presently, motorcycle riders often wear footwear such as trainers, dress or casual shoes, which are typically not designed for motorcycling. This is generally the case as motorcyclists find it inconvenient to change shoes for riding the motorcycle, in order to change back into normal, everyday footwear, after the motorbike ride.

However, it has become apparent that shoes which are typically not designed for motorcycling are often damaged by the foot-operated gear lever of the motorbike.

Notably, this particular problem is not limited to motorcycle riders and can also extend to operators of factory equipment, skeet or clay pigeon shooters, an many others, who use their footwear unconventionally.

Accordingly, there is required a device for footwear, which seeks to substantially overcome, at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to provide an alternative to existing arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In a first broad form, there is provided a device for minimizing damage caused to at least a portion of footwear, the device having a protecting surface; and, an attaching surface formed between the footwear and the protecting surface, the attaching surface being removably attachable to the portion of footwear

In a second broad form, there is provided a device for limiting/minimizing damage caused by an object to at least a portion of footwear, the device having:

-   -   a) an attaching surface for removably attaching the device to         the portion of the footwear; and,     -   b) a protecting surface, the protecting surface being in between         the attaching surface and the object such that damage to the         portion of the footwear is limited/minimized.

In one example, the attaching surface is an adhesive surface.

In another example, the object is a lever and the footwear is pressed against the lever.

In another aspect, wherein the lever is a gear change lever of a motorcycle.

According to another form, the device is formed from a shape that fits around/follows the contours of at least a portion of the shape of the footwear.

In a further example, at least the protecting surface is made from plastic.

In yet another form, the protecting surface includes information.

According to another aspect, the information is formed under the protecting surface, and is visible.

In a further example, the written information includes advertising.

In a further form, the device is made from injection molding.

According to another example, the attaching surface includes any one or a combination of:

-   -   a) glue; and,     -   b) hook and loop fastener device.

In accordance with another example, the protecting surface includes one or more ridges.

According to a further aspect, the protecting surface includes a lip for removing the device from the footwear.

In a third broad form, there is provided a method of using a device for limiting/minimizing damage to at least a portion of footwear, the at least one portion of the footwear being in contact with an object, the method including the steps of removably attaching the device to the footwear at an attaching surface of the device, the device having a protecting surface, the protecting surface being in contact with the object such that damage to the footwear is limited/minimized.

In a fourth broad form, there is provided a device for protecting footwear, the device having an adhesive surface, such that the device is removably attachable to the footwear.

In a fifth broad form, there is provided a device for use with footwear, the device having an adhesive surface, such that the device is removable attachable to the footwear, the device being able to allow an object to rest on or against the footwear such that contact between the object and the device is minimized.

In a sixth broad form, there is provided a method of using a device for minimizing damage to at least a portion of footwear, the method including the steps of removably attaching the device to the footwear at an attaching surface of the device, the attaching surface being formed between the footwear and a protecting surface of the device.

It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention may be used individually or in combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a device for footwear;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the side view of the example device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the example device of FIG. 1, in use with footwear;

FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of the example device of FIG. 1, in use with footwear;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another example of a device for footwear;

FIG. 6A is a photograph of a top perspective view of an example of a device for footwear;

FIG. 6B is another photograph of a side perspective view of the example device of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a photograph of a top view of another example device for footwear;

FIG. 7B is a photograph of a side view of the example device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a top view of another example of a device for footwear;

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of the example device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a schematic diagram of another side view of the example device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8E is a schematic diagram of a bottom perspective view of the example device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8F is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the example device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 5G is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of the example device of FIG. 8A; and,

FIG. 8H is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of the example device of FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A device for footwear is generally shown in FIG. 1.

In particular, FIG. 1 shows a device 100, where the device 100 generally has an attaching surface 105 and a protecting surface 110 (as shown in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the device 100 of FIG. 1 in use, on/with footwear 115. In particular, the device 100 can be used to limit damage caused by an object 120, which may, in use, press upon or come into contact with the footwear. In this particular example, the attaching surface 105 removably attaches the device 100 to at least a portion of the footwear 115, where the protecting surface 110 is between the attaching surface 105 and the object 120 such that damage to the at least one portion of the footwear 115 is limited.

In one particular example, the attaching surface 105 is an adhesive surface, which can adhere to the footwear 115 via any type of adhesive such as glue, or the like. It will be appreciated that the attaching surface is formed such that the device 100 is removably attachable. In a further example, the attaching surface can include a hook and loop fastening device, where the hook portion of the device is removably attached to the footwear, and the loop portion of the device 100 is attached to the attaching surface of the device (or vice versa), such that the device 100 is removably attachable to the footwear 115.

In a further example, the protecting surface 110 is made from plastic. Furthermore, the protecting surface 110 can include information 125, such as advertising, logos, text, written instructions for using the device 100, or the like. The information 125 can be formed under the protecting surface, where it is visible through the protecting surface (for example, through the clear plastic of the protecting surface), formed as a part of the protecting surface, or formed within a recess of the protecting surface.

Additionally, the protecting surface 110 can also include ribs or other molded features for improving the usability of the device 100 (as further described below). Thus for example, the protecting surface 110 can include a molded lip or portion (not shown) which can allow for the object 120 to rest on the device 100, or a lip portion that allows a user to grip the lip portion in order to remove the device 100 from the footwear 115.

Thus, the device 100 can be made from injection molding, and can be formed into a shape such that the device 100 fits at least partially around a portion of the footwear 115, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It will further be appreciated that the device can be formed into many shapes, which can include the general “S” shape of the device 100 as shown in FIG. 1, or any other shape, an example of which is shown in FIG. 5 in device 100A. Further examples of various shapes of the device 100 and 100A are shown in FIGS. 6A to 7B.

Accordingly, the device 100 can protect the footwear 115, when the footwear 115 is pressed against an object 120, such as a lever or the like, or when the footwear undergoes any unconventional use. In one particular example, the object 120 is a gear change lever of a motorcycle, and the device 100 can be used by motorcycle riders to protect their shoes from damage from the gear change lever, when changing gears.

It will be appreciated, however, that although the device 100 has been described with specific reference to the use of the device 100 whilst riding a motorcycle, the device 100 can be used in numerous other applications. In one example, skeet or clay pigeon shooters can use the device 100 (or a variation thereof) to protect or pad the top of their foot, upon which the muzzle of the gun is rested. In this particular example, the device 100 can be formed with a recessed top or lip (not shown) to retain the muzzle of the gun, thus limiting/minimizing contact between the muzzle of the gun (which in this example is the object 120), and the footwear 115).

A further example of a device 100B for footwear is shown in FIGS. 8A to 8H.

In this particular example, the device 100B has one or more ridges 130 on the protecting surface 110B, which in this example are longitudinally extending ridges, which can provide strength and durability as well as increase the surface area of the protecting surface 110B and thus provide more protection when the device 100B is applied to footwear or the like.

Furthermore, the device 100B has a lip 135 which can make it easier for a user or the like to remove the device by holding and pulling the device off.

Additionally, the device 100B has a curved L-shaped cross section (as can be seen in FIGS. 8C and 8D), so that the device 100B can be fitted onto footwear, and can follow or correspond to the curvature of a shoe or the like.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the devices 100, 100A, and 100B can limit/minimize damage to footwear 115, or limit/minimize contact between footwear 115 and an object 120.

Specific Examples

In one particular example, the above-described device 100 can include an “S” shaped plastic shield formed in a single plane curve to conform to the contours of the inner side and top of the toe of a left shoe (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

In this particular example, the device is laser cut and thermo formed from a section of extruded thermo plastic sheet, where the inner face of the device has an adhesive surface formed from a section of double sided foam tape cut to the profile of the device.

The example of the device in use, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, shows that the device can be attached, by self adhesive backing, to the inner and upper part of the toe of footwear worn on the left foot of motorcyclists. Accordingly, the device covers the contact area between the footwear and the gear change lever and can take all scuffing and wear which would otherwise be subjected to the footwear by upward gear changes.

It will be appreciated that motorcyclists often wear footwear such as trainers, dress or casual shoes not designed for motorcycling and such footwear can be damaged by the foot-operated gear lever. Accordingly, the above-described device may be applied to such footwear (including trainers and dress or casual shoes or the like) in order to eliminate, prevent, and/or limit damage and wear to the upper surfaces of footwear worn by motorcycle riders, caused by the operation of the gear change lever of a motorcycle. Thus, the device of the present application can allow for motorcyclists to wear everyday footwear for riding motorcycles.

Additionally, in yet a further example, the device spreads pressure applied to the upper parts of the foot by the action of lifting the gear lever, which may otherwise cause bruising, on the shoe, or on the foot of the motorbike rider.

Furthermore, the device can also mitigate fatigue, and/or stress caused to the foot by operation of the gear change lever. Further still, it will also be appreciated that the device may be removed without damage to the footwear, and can be formed such that it is discreet and may be left attached to the footwear for general use. Thus, the device need not necessarily be removed for walking or other activities.

The device can also be formed such that the particular shape of the device suits the usability of the device. Thus, the device can have a curved shape to fit the curves of footwear. In one example, the device of the present application is “one size fits all”, and can be applied to a range of footwear types, or alternatively, can be made for different sizes of footwear.

Accordingly, the device described can provide a high degree of protection, universal suitability for a range of styles and sizes of footwear, and the opportunity to remove the device from footwear without noticeable (or substantial) damage to the footwear.

It will also be appreciated that the device described can be manufactured by any means which is apparent to persons skilled in the art. Examples of techniques for manufacturing are further described below.

In particular, techniques such as laser cutting, injection molding, thermo forming, or the like, can be used.

In one particular example, the device is manufactured by injection molding. Injection molding can enable an integral production of variable wall sections, ribs, and other details. Thus, for example, ribs or raised wear strips can be molded in the upper surface of the device to take wear and scratches in use, whilst preserving the finish of the surface of the device. This can be used in the case of a clear molding where scratches would otherwise render the molding opaque.

Thus, a more detailed injection molded design, such as one incorporating ribs, embossed graphics, or the like can be developed by producing a 3D CAD model and using Rapid Prototyping (RP) technologies such as an SLS, SLA or objet printing. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that these processes can provide stimulant materials for any proposed plastics. Technologies such as Z-crop 3D prints, or any other processes evident to persons skilled in the art, may also be used.

Additionally, injection molding can allow for graphics, wear strips (an integral tear off hanging tab for retail display purposes) together with molded instructions, or the like, to be formed as a part of the device, thus eliminating packaging requirements to be formed as a part of the device.

It will also be appreciated that generally, injection molding produces little waste material in processing and waste material can be granulated and directly reprocessed. Additionally, injection molding is generally cost efficient, and can also allow for the use of readily available custom colors.

In another example, thermo forming can also be used to produce the device. However, it will be appreciated that although thermo forming has significantly lower tooling costs, more processing is often required than injection molding.

For example, thermo forming generally requires a processed sheet material that is more expensive than the raw granule material used in injection molding. Additionally, thermo forming requires a profiled “blank” part to be cut from a sheet with resultant waste, as the form of the device does not usually tessellate. Furthermore, waste material can not be directly reprocessed.

It will also be appreciated that the blank profile form would then need to be thermo formed into the curved shape of the device involving three processes, as opposed to one for injection molding, which can add significantly to cycle time, labor and part cost.

Furthermore, thermo forming would be less suited to integral molding of graphic detail such as that possible with injection molding (as previously described, in one example, the device can include graphics, advertising information, or the like with, within, or a part of the protecting surface).

Thus, in one example, multi layer laminated plastic sheet material can also be used with a thermo formed approach, typically utilizing layers of different colors. Lasers can be used to etch as well as cut plastic sheets. Additionally, they can also be used to etch through one layer exposing one of a different color, creating graphics with relief and differentiating color.

In addition to recycling symbols, instructions and corporate branding or a product name or other information might be molded onto the surface of the product, possibly in reverse on the internal face of a clear product, so as to avoid dirt entrapment.

One-off instructions might also be printed onto the covering strip of the adhesive tape, on the attaching surface, in order to minimize packaging requirements.

The curved face of the device can also be pad printed on the inner face of a clear product, to provide single or multi colored graphics. It will be appreciated that graphics can be printed on the external surface of the protecting surface, however it is likely that these would wear off, unless recessed.

It will be appreciated that the device can be formed by various materials, and that in one particular example, the materials chosen include plastics that perform well structurally. In one example, the device can be made of Perspex R), which is generally made from acrylic, and is typically a hard plastic.

In a further example, materials that provide a degree of flexibility and resilience can also be used, such as polycarbonate (PC), which is generally hard, but flexible and substantially unbreakable.

However, it will be appreciated that the device can be formed from any type of plastic, including but not limited to thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, polycarbonate plastics, acrylic, or the like.

It will also be appreciated that the product can also be made from other suitable materials such as rubber.

Thus, there has been provided in accordance with the above description, a device for footwear, and in particular to a device for limiting/minimizing damage to at least a portion of footwear, or a device for limiting/minimizing contact between an object and footwear.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

In the context of this specification, the word “comprising” is to be interpreted in an open manner such as “including but not necessarily solely including” or “having” or “including”, and not “consisting only of”. Variations of the word “comprising”, such as “comprise” and “comprises” have correspondingly varied meanings. 

1. A device for minimizing damage caused to at least a portion of footwear, the device comprising: a) a protecting surface; and, b) an attaching surface formed between the footwear and the protecting surface, the attaching surface being removably attachable to the portion of footwear.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the attaching surface is an adhesive surface.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device protects the footwear from damage caused by a lever when the footwear is pressed against the lever.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the lever is a gear change lever of a motorcycle.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is formed from a shape that follows the contours of at least a portion of the shape of the footwear.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein at least the protecting surface is made from plastic.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the protecting surface includes information.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the information is formed under the protecting surface, and is visible.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the information comprises of advertising.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is made from injection molding.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the attaching surface comprises of any one or a combination of: a) glue; and, b) hook and loop fastener device.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the protecting surface comprises of one or more ridges.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the protecting surface comprises of a lip for removing the device from the footwear.
 14. A method of using a device for minimizing damage to at least a portion of footwear, the method comprising the steps of removably attaching the device to the footwear at an attaching surface of the device, the attaching surface being formed between the footwear and a protecting surface of the device. 